Ashley Whigham won the teen category and a spot among the top ten grand-prize winners in Alabama Talent Hunt. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Ashley Whigham performed with other aspiring artists sharing the same dream in the Alabama Talent Hunt. She won the teen category and a spot among the top ten grand-prize winners.

The five-round elimination contest serves to discover, develop and promote Alabama vocalists. “It’s the largest individual vocal talent competition in the state and helps many under-discovered singers get to their next steps in their musical goals,” Whigham said.

Whigham and the grand-prize winners recorded their “Alabama’s Emerging Artists 2014” CD in a professional studio for release on iTunes this summer. They also will receive a one-year development contract.

Gospel, country and pop are Whigham’s favorite genres.

She learned about Alabama Talent Hunt while searching online for opportunities to sing. During auditions in early 2014, Whigham delivered an a capella rendition of “Sheltered Safe in the Arms of God.” For round two, she sang “Beautiful” by Christina Aguliera and won overall for that round.

For the next three rounds, she sang “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, “Undo It” by Carrie Underwood and “My Redeemer Lives” by Nicole Mullen. “It felt like a reality show but made the pressure all that much more exciting,” Whigham said.

“Despite the nerves, I truly enjoyed being in the talent hunt. It helped me to grow as an artist and gave me an opportunity to meet other amazing singers,” Whigham said.

A student at James Clemens High School, she participates in Beta Club as an A/B student, choir and First Priority. Previously, she marched with the band color guard. She figure skates competitively.

Whigham volunteers at nursing homes, Huntsville Botanical Garden and Sci-Quest. She has won state awards in piano and in area vocal contests and plays piano and sings at church.

Her parents are Dr. Ken and Sharon Whigham. Ashley is a lifelong Madison resident.

Ashley Whigham is available for personal appearances through Alabama Talent Hunt. To hear her music, visit “Ashley Whigham” on Youtube.com.